Google has unveiled a major update to its Gemini AI chatbot, enhancing app compatibility and improving user privacy controls.
At a Glance
● Google is updating its Gemini for Android app to no longer require users to save their chat history to use key features.
● Previously, “Gemini Apps Activity” had to be enabled to let the AI interact with other apps like Gmail or YouTube.
● Even with history turned off, Google will now temporarily retain conversations for up to 72 hours for safety and security before deleting them.
● The changes are set to roll out starting July 7, 2025, and are a direct response to user privacy feedback.
A Major Privacy Update for Gemini
Google is rolling out a significant update to its Gemini for Android app that directly addresses user privacy concerns. The change removes the requirement for users to have their “Gemini Apps Activity” setting turned on to use extensions that connect the AI to other Google apps and services like Gmail, Maps, and YouTube.
This marks a crucial shift from the previous model. Until now, if a user wanted Gemini to perform tasks like summarizing their emails or planning a trip using Google Maps, they had to agree to have their conversation history saved to their Google Account. The new update, which begins rolling out on July 7, 2025, changes that.
How Your Data Will Be Handled
Under the new policy, users can keep their Gemini Apps Activity history turned off and still access the full functionality of the AI assistant. However, there is an important caveat. According to a detailed breakdown by Android Police, Google will still temporarily save these conversations for up to 72 hours.
Google states this temporary retention is not linked to a user’s account and is done for safety and security purposes, as well as to improve the service. After the 72-hour window, the data is deleted. This offers a middle ground for privacy-conscious users who want to use the AI’s features without creating a permanent, account-linked log of their chats.
A Direct Response to User Feedback
The policy change is a direct response to user feedback. Many were hesitant to use Gemini’s most powerful features because they were uncomfortable with the all-or-nothing approach to data storage.
“We’ve heard from users that they want to be able to use extensions even if they don’t want their conversations saved to their Google Account,” a Google spokesperson told Engadget. “This update makes it easier for people to use Gemini in a way that’s most comfortable for them.” As Gemini is positioned to eventually replace Google Assistant as the default AI on Android, building this kind of user trust is critical for its widespread adoption.